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ope, as a concept, was on my mind one
day recently while on a walk with Bill. I
had just started another 21-day meditation
challenge with Oprah and Deepak Chopra. I really
enjoy these; I like that they show up in my email as
a gentle reminder that meditation is a good for you.
I like that their themes vary, and that they include
a centering thought and a mantra to help focus.
While not always perfect with them, each time I
start a new 21-day challenge I have great hope that
I will complete it and learn from it. As this round is
focused on Hope in Uncertain Times, I found myself contemplating the word “hope”. The conversation on our walk quickly came to the intersection
of hope, faith and reality.
There was some traffic on the road as we walked. As cars passed by, I wondered
which drivers were approaching their situation from one of several different perspectives. They could hope they arrived to work on time; they could have faith they would
get to their destination safely; or the reality, depending on action taken by each
individual, could come down to retaining or losing one’s job—one more late arrival
could mean the loss of a job, whereas leaving slightly earlier saved one’s job.
I live in that intersection of hope, faith, and reality, with a heavy leaning
toward hope most of the time, and I think it is in large part because I do have faith
that things will work out. And generally they do because, in reality, I am aware of
moving forward, trying to do the right thing and recognizing that I don’t like the
opposite of hope. Words like pessimism and despair come to mind and those are
places I do not want to live.
In another month of great editorial, our feature article “Natural Motherhood”
instructs us to follow our intuition to ensure the best start for a new life. We also
have several local articles about overcoming infertility through diet, massage and
shifting perspective. In “Heart-Based Leadership”, Linda Seachrist tells us about
women mobilizing to heal the world. In The Joys of Grandparenting, we are reminded how important the role or grandparents is to provide the space to be joyful
with the grandchildren, release expectations, just be present and enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this issue; I hope that you learn something from it; I hope that
it helps you in some way on your journey. The reality is that by just picking it up and
reading it, you have taken action and are on your way to a more rewarding life.
Let Spring renew your hope and Happy Mother’s Day to many,

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed
locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is
available in selected stores, health and education
centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call
to find a location near you or if you would like copies
placed at your business.

Maureen Cary, Publisher

Happy

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed
in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.
We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

Mother’s Day

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscriptions are available by sending $25
(for 12 issues) to the above address.
Natural Awakenings
is printed on recycled
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newsbriefs
Hair Analysis and Drinking Water Testing
Now Available at Nature’s Wisdom Wellness

N

ature’s Wisdom Wellness is now offering Hair Mineral Analysis services to
clients. Each client will receive a copy of the test results, which includes a
graphic illustration of levels and ratios; a complete individualized evaluation and
detailed discussion of the patient’s metabolic type, current mineral levels and
ratios, and their impact upon body chemistry; recommendations of specific foods
and food groups, along with an explanation of why each food is suggested; and
supplement recommendations based upon age, sex, metabolic type, mineral patterns and specific need as seen on the tissue mineral analysis and other accompanying clinical test data.
Canine hair analysis is also offered, with each pet owner receiving a copy of
the test results (graphic illustration of levels and ratios) and individualized supplement recommendations based solely upon hair
mineral pattern.
In addition, Informational Drinking Water Chemistry
Report Testing is also now available, and includes testing for all metals currently listed on EPA primary and
secondary regulatory drinking water contaminants, in
addition to other potential elements. The test, which
also includes fluoride and PH levels, contains
a brief informative listing of potential
causes, risks and/or effects of elevated
EPA recognized contaminants, and is
intended
for informational
purposes
the support! Thank you to everyone
who
made phone
only and cannot be used for regulaand money, visited our tables, and tory
rooted
us this year.
or legalfor
purposes.

he Rhode Island Association of Naturopathic Physicians (RIANP) has drafted
bills HB5474 and SB327 to license naturopathic doctors in Rhode Island. Both
bills have been assigned to their respective House and Senate health committees.
According to RIANP president Marcy Feibelman, the bill hearing with the House
Health, Education and Welfare Committee in mid-March went well.
Rhode Island is the only state in New England that does not license naturopathic doctors. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a similar bill into
Bay State law this past January. A fundraising campaign to support Rhode Island’s
legislative efforts is ongoing. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/RIANP.
Email or call Rhode Island legislators to encourage them to pass these
bills in RI. To email, visit Naturopathic.
org/lac#/51 and/or call at NaturopathRI Association of Naturopathic Physicians ic.org/lac#/52. Pre-formatted emails
and call scripts are provided.

he National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) of Rhode Island will
present its annual Bridging the Gaps
conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., May
10, at Providence College’s Slavin Center. This full-day event brings together
mental health professionals, consumers,
family members, legislators, advocates
and friends for a day of learning and
discussion. The theme of this year’ conference is Heroes and Allies: Changing
the Conversation.
Bridging the Gaps features more
than a dozen workshops as well as
keynote presentations by Dr. James Sullivan of Butler Hospital, NAMI RI Peer
Program Manager Jeremiah Rainville
and NAMI family member Jean Marandola. NAMI’s second annual Black History Event will take place during lunch,
featuring the presentation “A Tribute to
the Mental Health Care Achievements
of the Obama Administration.”
“This conference is open to anyone
interested in moving mental illness
out of the shadows and into the public
discussion,” says NAMI RI Executive
Director Cindy Elder. “Whether you’re a
health care professional, a person living
with a mental illness, a family member
looking for solutions, or an interested
community member, you are welcome
here. The power of this conference is
learning side by side with the diverse
array of people involved in mental
health, in an environment where everyone’s voice is equally respected.”
Cost: $20 (free for NAMI RI members)
plus $15 for lunch. Location: 1 Cunningham Sq., Providence. Register online at NAMIRhodeIsland.org/btg2017,
or contact NAMI at 401-331-3060 or
Cindy.Elder@NAMIRhodeIsland.org.
Deadline for registration is May 4.

oncordia Center for Spiritual Living
is holding a Teen Fundraising Yard
Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 13,
at the Concordia Center, in Warwick.
Anyone interested in donating items to
be sold (clothing, furniture and household items are most popular) can deliver
items between 4:40 and 7 p.m., May 12.
All items must be in good condition.
A second fundraiser, Concordia’s
Got Talent – Talent Show and Bake Sale
will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m.,
May 20. This was a huge hit last year
and is back by popular demand. Past
performances have included comedy
skits, dancing, singing, instrumental
music; anything goes in Concordia’s
safe and judgment-free zone. This fun
night will help raise funds for Concordia’s teen activities. Call 401-732-1552
for ticket prices and sale locations.
Finally, anyone who is interested
may sponsor a teen for Concordia’s
Science of the Mind Summer Camp in
Idylwild, California this July. Teens at
this camp work on self empowerment
and support of each other through
workshops based on the Science of
Mind Principles of divine love, creative
thought and oneness. Sponsorships
include: full ($1,400), half ($700),
third ($470) and quarter ($350), or any
donation that is comfortable is greatly
appreciated. For more information, call
Betty Kornitzer at 401-932-1515 or
JoAnne Hanrahan at 401-996-3492, or
Concordia Center at (401) 732-1552.
Location: Concordia Center, 92 West
Shore Rd.,Warwick. For more information call 401-996-3492 or visit
ConcordiaCSL.com. See ad on page 27.

Currently seeking health and wellness advocates
to join the event.

All registration forms

If you are interested in reserving space at this event need to be submitted by
August 1st 2017.
register online at
http://tinyurl.com/pvwellnessday2017 Space is limited! Register today!

Use discount code PVWELLNESS10 on or before June 1st, 2017 for the $10 Discount off registration.

Nov 4 9am-5pm • West Warwick Civic Center
th

MASTER
TRANSFORMATIONAL
COACHING TRAINING
I am more fully in touch with my
unique gifts and how they can be used
to better the world. -program participant

rovidence Perfume will be holding its annual Mother’s Day Custom Perfume Event from 9:30 a.m. to 4
p.m., May 14. Each mother and daughter duo receives an
individual one-hour time at the Perfume Bar to enjoy tea,
mimosas and light canapé while each creates her own
signature perfume together. Price includes mini perfumery lesson, refreshments, and two custom perfumes: one
for Mom and one for daughter/son/husband.
Another event, Creating Colognes: Formulating with
Citrus, Green, Fresh and Unisex Compositions, will take place over two days from
10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 6, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 7. Many assume
the term cologne refers to a scent marked for men, but the true definition of cologne
is a light scent that is typically formulated with a fresh citrus note. In these two sessions participants will learn how to create beautiful unique colognes. Students will
create their versions of classic and citrus styles of cologne to take home.
Other classes offered in May include Basic Perfumery on May 10 and a weekend Natural Perfumery Intensive Course the weekend of May 20 and 21.
Cost: Mother’s Day $125, Creating Colognes $450. Location: Providence Perfume,
13 Angel St., Providence. To register and for more information, visit
ProvidencePerfume.com. See ad on page 13.

Free Acupuncture Workshops Offered

L

earn ways to reduce the harmful effects of stress
during a free, experiential workshop taking place at
6:30 p.m., May 17, at Mystic-Noank Library, in Connecticut, and repeated at 6:30 pm, May 23, at the
Westerly Public Library. Presented by acupuncturist
Gregory Fessenden, MBA, MS, and naturopathic physician, Gwenn Rosenberg, ND, both of Anguilla Park in
Pawcatuck, Connecticut, Resilience Under Stress discusses the stress response as a
means for survival and how to prevent the harmful effects of stress hormones.
The discussion covers acupuncture, guided relaxation and foods that build
resilience, along with a 20-minute guided relaxation experience, with optional ear
acupuncture.
Cost: Free. Location: Mystic-Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic, CT; Westerly
Public Library, 44 W. Broad St., Westerly. For more information, call 860-661-4662
or visit GregoryFessenden.com.

Hair Color Challenge?
Organic Solutions!

50% off
401.247.2628
10

Rhode Island Edition

RINaturalAwakenings.com

Receive Guidance
and Healing at
Holistic Psychic Fair
in East Providence

T

he First Spiritualist Church of Rhode
Island will be hosting its bi-annual
Holistic Psychic Fair from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m., May 20, in East Providence. All
are welcome to attend this event which
will showcase many different modalities including mediumship, psychic
readings, angel card readings, tarot
readings, reiki, chair massage, a John of
God crystal healing bed, vendors and
more. Admittance is free; attendees pay
for services they wish to experience.
Individuals are invited to take a day
to celebrate themselves and receive
the guidance and healing they deserve.
Come and explore the different modalities available and discover the tools
which are available to help each person
progress along his/her own personal
journey of healing and growth.
Cost: Free attendance; prices for
services vary. Location: 83 S. Rose St.,
East Providence. For more information,
visit SpiritualistChurchRI.com See ad on
page 11.

“A Night on the Other Side”
Bringing Messages
from loved ones
on the
other side!*

$45 VIP tickets include up-front seating
and a post-show question and answer
session with June & Rhys!

Tickets available online at ticketweb or at the Venus
http://bit.ly/0629ANightOnTheOtherSide
OVER AGE 14 RECOMMENDED • *NOT EVERYONE WILL RECEIVE A MESSAGE

We are Excited to Announce NEW Services
NaturesWisdomWellness.com
Hair Mineral Analysis
Human
May Special $108

■ Copy of the test results
(graphic illustration of levels and ratios).
■ Complete individualized evaluation and
detailed discussion of the patient’s metabolic
type, current mineral levels and ratios, and
their impact upon body chemistry.
■ Recommendations of speciﬁc foods and
food groups, along with an explanation of
why each food is suggested.
■ Supplement recommendations based
upon age, sex, metabolic type, mineral
patterns and speciﬁc need as seen on the
tissue mineral analysis and other accompanying
clinical test data. (Supplements additional)

Hair Mineral Analysis Canine

May Special $90

■ One copy of the test results (graphic illustration of levels
and ratios). *Individualized supplement recommendations
based solely upon hair mineral pattern.

n May 20 and 21, Jackie Van Dusen from the
Meeting Nest at Acorn Cottage, in Wakefield, will
be hosting a two-day Quest For Mastery workshop presented by Randall Monk, from Reno, Nevada.
Participants will learn how to maintain a constant level of alpha brain waves
tuned into a constant stream of cosmic wisdom; eliminate unwanted habits and
see life’s challenges, tasks and opportunities in a different light; build a stronger
immune system; enhance ESP abilities and creativity; and develop a life-changing
connection to one’s higher self. Participants will also learn to be more aware, more
alert and more attuned to what is going on around them, gain confidence and a
strong sense of self-esteem, as well as harmonize the right and left hemispheres of
the brain in order to transmute and change negative, limiting thought patterns.
“Change can be easy and change can be difficult,” says Van Dusen. “With the
right tools we have the ability to move through life with ease and grace, encountering life’s challenges as if they were mere speed bumps in a parking lot. This
program is for those who want the tools to move through life with ease and grace
and are willing to take action to acquire them.”
Cost: $222. To pre-register and for exact directions to The Meeting Nest at Acorn
Cottage, call Jackie Van Dusen at 401-284-0363 or email
AcornCottage102@verizon.net. See ad in the Community Resource Guide.

Greening the Sphere Organizes
Sustainability Festival in Warren

G

reening the Sphere, a newly founded nonprofit
organization, will be hosting its first-annual
sustainability festival, designed by its youth council
and adult members, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 17,
at Hope & Main, in Warren. The festival is free and
open to the public.
The sustainability festival features speakers, workshops and child-friendly
activities that are meant to actively engage festival participants in learning and
implementing sustainable practices in everyday life. Some topics covered include:
in-case-of-emergency (ICE) preparation, foraging, permaculture, waste management, bee keeping, organic food education, production and utilization of natural
dyes, and local farming. The festival gathers renowned speakers from various
fields, some that will be announced in newsletters leading up to the festival. Food
purchases can be made throughout the day from carefully selected, sustainabilityoriented food vendors.
Greening the Sphere, as an organization, is committed to developing and
sustaining a heart-centered relationship with the Earth and its inhabitants. The
organization emphasizes the importance of youth cooperation and engagement in
stewardship of our Earth through grassroots organizing and community building.
It aims to green (heal) the sphere by empowering youth and sustaining collective
cooperation in communities and greater environments.
Cost: Free. Location: Hope & Main, 691 Main St., Warren. To be added to Greening
the Sphere’s newsletter or to obtain more information on how to get involved, email
Shari at BitsisShari@gmail.com. Follow on social media: Facebook: Greening the
Sphere; Twitter: GreenTheSphere; Instagram: GreeningTheSphere. See ad on page 7.

12

Rhode Island Edition

RINaturalAwakenings.com

Health and Wellness
Advocates Wanted
for Pawtuxet Valley
Wellness Day

T

MW Productions, LLC is currently
seeking health and
wellness advocates to
join its First Annual
Pawtuxet Valley Wellness Day from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m., November
4, at the West Warwick Civic Center. The
goal of this event is to
showcase the health
resources located in the Pawtuxet Valley
and surrounding community.
Businesses that fit into one of the
seven dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, financial, social and environmental—are
encouraged to showcase their business
and promote wellness in the local community at the event.
Register by June 1 using discount code
PVWELLNESS10 for a $10 discount
off registration. Submission deadline
is August 1. Register at tinyurl.com/
pvwellnessday2017. For questions, call
Tarah Warner at 401-589-1321 or visit
TMWProductions.biz. See ad on page 9.

Be sure to
mention you saw
their ad in

Contact us today
for special ad rates.
401-709-2473

Val Thoermer/Shutterstock.com

Negative Stereotypes
Sabotage Girl Soccer
Players

R

esearchers from Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
Goethe University, in Frankfurt,
sought to determine the impact that
the belief held by some that females
are poor soccer players would have
on their performance. The study had
36 teenage female soccer players engage in a ball-dribbling drill before
and after reading a pertinent article.
Half of the subjects read about the
perceived incompetence of female soccer players and the
other half read a piece about the growing popularity of the
sport.
The players that read the negative article needed significantly more time to complete the drill than those that read the
positive article, possibly highlighting the impact that negative
stereotyping has on women.

We did...and spent the last 2 years conducting research that
exposes the 9 key transitions that can explain these stories
and guide you on your journey to parenthood and beyond.

Learn more at organic-conceptions.com

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the complete audio program
Use coupon code NATURAL

natural awakenings

May 2017

13

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

healthbriefs

Prenatal Omega-3 Reduces Kids’
Asthma Risk

DNA Markers
Link Lifespan to
Nutrition

T

elomeres, located at the end of human chromosomes, protect DNA
from deterioration. Multiple studies over
the past decade have associated longer
telomeres with increased longevity and
a slowing of the aging process.
A study from Kookmin University, in Seoul, Korea, collected nutrition data
from 1,958 men and women between the ages of 40 and 69. The information
included a baseline food frequency questionnaire assessing the consumption
of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folate), C and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus,
potassium, iron and zinc, during an 18-month period. Researchers measured the
length of the subjects’ telomeres after 10 years in a follow-up examination and
compared these results with the nutrition information.
The study found an association between longer telomere length and vitamin
C, folate and potassium intake in all participants. These nutrients are available in
many fruits and vegetables.

Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

esearchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital, in
Denmark, discovered expectant mothers that take omega-3
supplements while pregnant reduce the risk that their babies
will develop asthma.
Analyzing blood samples from 695 Danish women
at 24 weeks of gestation and again one week after birth,
the study tested the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—longchain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, fish oil
and DHA-algae supplements—in the women’s
blood. The health of the babies was monitored
for five years and compared with the blood
analysis. The children of the mothers given
2.4 grams of long-chain omega-3 supplements during their third trimester displayed an
overall 31 percent reduced risk of developing asthma.
“Asthma and wheezing disorders have more than
doubled in Western countries in recent decades,”
explains Professor Hans Bisgaard, of the Copenhagen
Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood at the
hospital. “We now have a preventative measure to
help bring those numbers down.”

dangdumrong/Shutterstock.com

R

Even One Drink
Daily Increases
Melanoma Risk

A

study from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, in
Providence, Rhode Island, has linked
alcohol consumption with an increased
risk of melanoma, the most dangerous
type of skin cancer.
Using data from three studies,
researchers followed 210,252 adults
for an average of 18 years each using
food-frequency questionnaires to measure alcohol consumption. Comparing
the results to instances of melanoma
among the participants, they found that
each alcoholic beverage consumed on
average per day was associated with
a 14 percent increased risk of melanoma. An associated conclusion was
that individuals that regularly drank
alcohol were 73 percent more likely to
be diagnosed with melanoma on the
trunk of the body than non-drinkers.
“The clinical and biological significance of these findings remains to be
determined, but for motivated individuals, counseling regarding alcohol
use may be an appropriate strategy to
reduce risks of melanoma, as well as
other cancers,” explains Eunyoung Cho,
Sc.D., the study’s lead author and an
associate professor of dermatology and
epidemiology at the university.

Like
us!
NARhodeIsland

Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. ~Robert Browning
14

Rhode Island Edition

RINaturalAwakenings.com

Daxiao Productions/Shutterstock.com

Not-So-Speedy Pedaling
Boosts Benefits

R

esearchers from the
United Kingdom’s University of Winchester have
found that cycling improves
brain function. The study
tested the cognitive function
of 17 physically active men
in their 20s before and after
two, 30-minute sessions
on a stationary bike. The results showed significant cognitive
improvements following each session.
Biking to work is also a good way to reduce our carbon
footprint, but breathing in exhaust fumes and other pollutants
is a concern for street cyclists. Alexander Bigazzi, a transportation expert in the department of civil engineering and school
of community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia, has studied the relationship between averagespeed bicycle travel and inhalation of potentially harmful air.
Using a U.S. Census-based computer model of 10,000
people, Bigazzi found that the ideal bicycling speed to inhale
the minimum amount of pollution is between 7.5 to 12.5 miles
per hour (mph), placing the lowest risk for women at nearly
eight mph and for men at just over eight mph. “The faster you
move, the harder you breathe and the more pollution you
could potentially inhale, but you are also exposed to traffic for a
shorter period of time. This analysis shows where the sweet spot
is,” says Bigazzi.

point. click.

New Natural Awakenings App
The Natural Awakenings healthy living, healthy planet
lifestyle app has been upgraded with a brand-new look
and updated features. The changes to the free app,
which has already been downloaded by 40,000-plus
users, will make keeping up with the best choices for a
green and healthy lifestyle easier than ever.
New features include being able to sign up for
promotions, updates and newsletters plus linking to
the Natural Awakenings website. Visitors can find local
magazines nationwide; a national directory of healthy
and green businesses and resources with products,
practitioners and services, complete with directions;
updated national monthly magazine content; archives of
hundreds of previously published articles on practical,
natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living by national
experts that are searchable by key words; and an archive
of articles in Spanish.
“These upgrades and expanded accessibility will
empower people to enjoy healthier, happier and longer
lives more easily than ever before,” notes Natural Awakenings founder Sharon
Bruckman. “Offering free
Download Natural Awakeníngs
access to Natural Awakenings’ powerful network of
healthy living resources
through this exclusive app
is another way we can
serve our users.”

FRESH, NEW
APP TODAY!

To download the free app,
search for Natural Awakenings on Google Play or the
Apple app store or visit
NaturalAwakeningsMag.
com. See ad on page 33.

First Spiritualist Church
of Rhode Island
Sundays 10:00 am
Services held at:

83 South Rose St.
East Providence
www.spiritualistchurchri.com

natural awakenings

May 2017

15

globalbriefs
Shane Myers Photography/Shutterstock.com

News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in
building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Planting Progress
sima/Shutterstock.com

New Seed-Sharing Law in California
California is the fourth state to pass a law making it legal to
swap seeds and collect them in non-commercial libraries.
That’s good, because the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Federal Seed Act, in place for 80 years, mandates that any
activity involving non-commercial distribution of seeds must
be labeled, permitted and tested according to industrial
regulations that would be both costly and burdensome to
the hundreds of local seed libraries operating in 46 states.
Nebraska, Illinois and Minnesota also recently passed laws protecting noncommercial seed activity from regulatory requirements. Free seed libraries, swaps
and exchanges increase access to local food and can play a large role in expanding and preserving biodiversity.
Neil Thapar, the food and farm attorney at the Sustainable Economies Law
Center, says, “We wanted to create the legal framework for an alternative system
that is not reliant on large companies to provide open-pollinated seed varieties.
Seed sharing has a direct connection to building local economic resilience.” The
center is taking action to try to get laws changed in all 50 states.

Balloon Doom
Ekaterina_Minaeva/Shutterstock.com

Far-Flying Rubber Harms Sea Creatures
Helium-filled balloons look pretty when released at special events, but they eventually become earthbound trash
littering land and water, often traveling great distances
before reaching their final resting places; spans of up to
1,300 miles have been recorded. The Ocean Conservancy
recently picked up nearly 94,000 balloon remnants in the
course of a year’s worth of cleanup operations.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
fish, dolphins, whales, seabirds and sea turtles have all
been found with latex balloons in their stomachs, blocking
their digestive tracts. One study of two stranded sperm
whales in California attributed their deaths to huge amounts
of consumed ocean debris. Another found that more than half of one species of sea
turtle surveyed had trash in their gut; mostly balloons. The problem is so serious that
several states and cities have already outlawed mass balloon releases.
Latex balloons are technically biodegradable, but that process can take six
months or more, according to the UK National Association of Balloon Artists and
Suppliers. Celebratory alternatives include laser shows, music performances,
bubbles, banners and reusable inflatable characters.
Source: Grist.org

Record Hatchlings Give Hope
Worldwide, six of the seven sea turtle
species are threatened or endangered
because of human activity. A ray of
hope now shining from conservation
efforts is that nesting sea turtles have
posted record numbers of successful
hatchlings in South Carolina the last
three years, with Georgia and Florida
reporting similar results. Decades of
helpful efforts are paying off due to
increased public awareness of turtlefriendly practices at seaside locations. Heed these rules:
4 Keep lights off on beachfront
property during nesting season.
4 Refrain from using flash photography on the beach at night.
4 Keep beaches and oceans clean.
Litter such as plastic bags and balloons can cause injury or death when
sea turtles mistake them for jellyfish, a
favorite food.
4 Respect sea turtles by observing
them from a distance.
4 Report dead or injured sea turtles
and nest disturbances to 1-800-9225431.
Learn more about sea turtle conservation and how to get involved at
dnr.sc.gov/seaturtle. Find an introductory video at OceanToday.noaa.
gov/endoceanseaturtles.

jan kranendonk/Shutterstock.com

Do you wonder if you’ll ever really be happy?
Do you settle out of fear that there’s nothing better?
Do you question what’s wrong
with you and feel isolated?

Here’s the Good News!

Choo Choo
Breakthrough

You

deserve to be happy.

You

Wind-Powered Trains in Holland

don’t have to settle for less.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen reports that all
of its electric trains are now running on
energy harvested from wind. Working
with Eneco, a sustainable energy supplier
in the Netherlands, the goal was to operate the trains via wind turbines by January
2018, but they beat their own deadline.
Electric locomotives don’t use
conventional engines; instead, they act
like a component in an electric circuit
transmitted via high-voltage power
lines. Three options for usage include
onboard energy storage systems such
as batteries; an overhead wire; or an extra live rail, which has current flowing
through it at all times. It’s used to power
lights and air-conditioning, as well as
for propulsion.
According to the Global Wind
Energy Council, turbines capable of
generating 586 megawatts of electricity are the workhorses. In 2016, a 700
megawatt offshore wind farm near the
town of Borssele became the most
cost-effective of such installations in
the world.

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Donna Spadafora
Donna Spadafora changes palettes and
subject matter to suit the changes in her
career and location. With an established
reputation on Cape Cod for her watercolor images of mother and child, she’s
now expanding her repertoire to encompass oil landscapes of Costa
Rica and Florida. Morning Walk has
appeared in both media “with quite
different effects,” says this award-winning
Copley artist.
“I bathe everything I do in light and
shadow,” she says. Dynamic oils laid
down on her canvases peek through
the overpainted grasses and trees. Two
children’s books she’s writing come to
life in watercolor perspectives akin to illustration. She’s now experimenting with
the possibility of translating watercolors
onto canvas to avoid the traditional need
for art mattes and glass.
For Spadafora, a childhood surrounded by her mother’s sewing projects
and art supplies naturally led to drawing
and watercolor classes, but she is for the
most part self-taught. Three years ago
she returned to work as a full-time artist
after 10 years as head of the art department at The Community School, in
Naples, Florida.
Connect with the artist at
239-596-2163.

18

Rhode Island Edition

91 percent of Organic Conceptions research participants conceived
naturally within twelve months after some form of acceptance.

O

rganic Conceptions, an organization and
community dedicated to
helping couples overcome infertility naturally,
is unveiling the results
of more than two years
of extensive research on
commonalities of couples
diagnosed with infertility that have gone on to
conceive naturally. Its nine-step audio
program, The Journey to Parenthood and
Beyond, applies principles of biology,
sociology, psychology and multivariate
statistics demystifying miracle baby success stories, examining commonalities
and unearthing strategies that empower
potential parents to put an end to their
struggle. The data comes directly from
couples who, after years of trying to
conceive, change course to only find out
that they were soon pregnant.
In the U.S. alone, 7.5 million
women (or 12.3 percent of the population) and their partners suffer from
infertility per a study conducted by the
Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Organic Conceptions
focus is to unveil the fundamental key
components of couples that overcame
infertility naturally, and to help bring
clarity to the infertility mystery.
“It seems that everyone knows of
a couple that struggled for years with
infertility, decided to adopt, and then
conceives naturally,” says Marc Sherman, founder of Organic Conceptions.
“We are the first organization to conduct

RINaturalAwakenings.com

research that provides
answers that can finally
explain these far too
common stories and provide guidance through
our nine-step program to
help reshape the cognitive side of a couple’s
journey.”
Sherman and his wife
Erin struggled with infertility for almost 10 years
before shifting their perspective, finding
peace, embracing their own journey,
and then they conceived naturally. “Our
research proves there are patterns and
insights in these common infertility
experiences that can help others think
and act differently as they embrace their
journey to parenthood,” he says.
“Through our research, we scientifically mapped the similarities among
participants in their journey to conceive
and pinpoint common moments and
triggers along the way,” says Kate Webster, Ph.D., chief researcher at Organic
Conceptions. “We discovered predictable tipping points, key shifts and statistical patterns, and learned strategies and
tools that we share in the program that
help couples embrace, trust and grow
along their journey to parenthood.”
Founded in 2015, Organic Conceptions
is an organization and community dedicated to providing hope, inspiration,
and guidance to the millions of couples
trying to conceive. For more information, visit Organic-Conceptions.com.
See ad on page 13.

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shoff has gained extensive knowledge
in medical science, and also developed
in-depth understanding of how positive
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come from their spiritual connections
with the jewelry,” she says. “When
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Next, Hershoff gifted
or
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r. Hannah Hershoff, a Chinese
she even began to find
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physician and Harvard-trained
stability in her then-rocky
that
reported
they gained
research scientist, never bemarriage.”
confidence,
improved
their
lieved a piece of jewelry could boost
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more
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women aged 16 to 64 and
and experienced a reducpositive feedback from a number of
interviewed them after one
tion in anxiety. A year later,
tests in which women were asked to try to two months of wearHershoff and her husband,
on Sara Yo jewelry. The jewelry pieces
ing the jewelry. “I was so
Randy, started Sara Yo Healare made from a crystalline mineral
surprised to learn that all
ing Fashions and named
formed over millions of years. The key
six women reported they
their kaolin-comprised
Dr. Hannah Hershoff
element is kaolin, or China clay, a
felt much better when they
pieces
Sara Yo stones. She
mineral sourced from a small village in
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had
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Southeast China.
physician and scientist, she felt a need
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to
business
owner
and jewelry
The shape, color and sheen of each to find scientific evidence to explain
designer.
stone is permanently forged after a long
the results, which prompted her to
Today, the company makes more
process involving water,
study kaolin to learn about its
than
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Hershoff.
The company also provides
kiln. “The stones become
“I don’t know if
a
complementary
weekly five element
shinier after contact
any comhealing
program
based
on Taoist philoswith skin,” says
pounds
ophy.
Hershoff
says,
“I
am
so glad I have
Hershoff. “I
from the
made
this
career
change
decision,
as
am very
mineral
each
day
I
learn
more
about
how
Sara
Yo
familiar
or from other
helps
women
physically
and
emotionwith the
components of the
ally. I am so fortunate to do something
mineral, as
bracelet have caused a
I am extremely passionate about, rather
my father used to be an
direct effect,” says Hershoff. “I could
than something I feel I have to do.”
administration manager of the mines. I
not find any scientific evidence to give
remember my father collected a piece of either a positive or negative answer.”
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precious buda, made from the mineral,
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20

Rhode Island Edition

P

regnancy is a joyous time for most
women, but for
those having trouble
conceiving, it can
seem like an impossible
goal. Now, a natural and
gentle approach is helping women improve their
reproductive health.
Mercier Therapy,
created by Dr. Jennifer
Mercier, is a technique
of external manipulation of the uterus
and ovaries that helps relieve restrictions,
loosen scar tissue, increase blood circulation and return the pelvic area to optimal
performance. Now offered in Rhode
Island by licensed massage therapist Meredith Martin, the multifaceted practice
promotes “conscious conception” and
relief for many women’s health issues.
Meredith Martin, a lifelong advocate of holistic healthcare, added
Mercier Therapy to her skill set in 2014
after reading an article about it in a professional journal. She says, “It resonated
with me because it’s very structural
work. I knew I had to pursue it, and I fell
in love with it.” Since training with Dr.
Mercier in the technique and becoming
a certified Mercier therapist, she now offers the therapy at her Middletown practice. She is the only Mercier therapist in
Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Vermont.
Martin, who has also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode
Island College and completed Level II
reiki practitioner training, can relate to
her clients’ fear, nervousness and despair.
Despite her own challenging journey to
healthy pregnancies, she is now a mother
of two boys ages 13 and 3½.
By the time many women come to
see her, Martin says, they have been

RINaturalAwakenings.com

unsuccessful, year after year,
in becoming pregnant even
after trying traditional medical methods including in vitro
fertilization. Along with
Mercier Therapy, Martin
offers hope. “When
they’ve been in a difficult pattern of failure it
becomes their identity,”
she says. “I want women
to believe in their body’s ability to perform and to do what
it is designed to do. The mind/body
connection is very powerful. Wonderful
things happen when they start believing
in themselves.”
In a 2012 case study, 83 percent of
clients receiving the therapy achieved
pregnancy within one year (MercierTherapyOfRI.com/case-study). Martin
says she has also seen positive results in
clients seeking relief from pelvic pain,
difficult intercourse, painful periods,
incontinence, gastrointestinal issues
and constipation.
So that growing numbers of
women may benefit, Martin hopes that
Mercier Therapy will continue to grow
and become more mainstream. “I love
serving women and helping them feel
and be the best they can be,” she says.
“Ultimately, it’s about taking back your
personal power.”
Mercier Therapy of RI is located at 136
W. Main Rd., Middletown. For more
information, call 401-862-1042 or visit
MercierTherapyOfRI.com. Just for Natural Awakenings readers, Martin is offering
$25 off an initial consultation through
July 31, 2017. See ad on this page.
Wendy Lewis is a frequent contributor
to Natural Awakenings.

he American Cancer Society, the Harvard school of
public health and the American Journal of Epidemiology have all conducted studies that suggest a link
between chemicals in hair dye and certain types of cancer.
The question also arises as to whether an expectant
mom should be breathing in
fumes associated with the
typical chemical treatment.
Ammonia, for instance, commonly used in hair coloring,
is frowned upon by many
doctors especially during the
first three months of pregnancy. Inhaling some chemicals
has been linked to physical
birth defects in the fetus.
Organic Colour Systems
(OCS) does not use ammonia, resorcinol or parabens as
well as numerous commonly used chemicals of questionable
toxicity.
Pregnant women are often sensitive to certain odors in
professional chemical services. The OCS color line, as well
as all of its retail products, are both subtly and pleasantly
scented, or have no scent at all. Hair dyes that use certified
organic ingredients and pharmaceutical grade chemicals
versus industrial grade chemicals may be a far safer option
for expectant mothers.
Organic Colour Systems was developed in the United
Kingdom and maintains a constant commitment to creating products without toxic chemicals and ingredients. The
company is also committed to green environmental practices
and does not test on animals. By using more certified organic
ingredients and fewer chemicals than anyone else, OCS has
created an effective way to color hair as naturally as possible.
Expectant moms should be cautious about what they
put on their skin and scalp. To err on the side of caution,
they may choose to wait past their first trimester to have any
chemical service performed.
Elaine Hewitt is located in Barrington, and she has been
providing the cleanest, greenest, organic products to clients
for 10 years. Her personal lifestyle is organic and holistic so
it matters deeply to her that she provides healthy options for
her clients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 401-273-7005. See ad on this page.

he Heart to Lead: Women as
Allies for the Greater Good, a
documentary film directed and
produced by Cheryl Gould, of Naples,
Florida, explores the emerging paradigm of heart-based feminine leadership and how it is attuning women
to their inner strengths, beliefs, each
other and our Earth. “Women’s deeper
unity of being is empowering them
to take action and lead. Women who
once longed for a culture that would
reflect their highest priorities are now
creating one in which they support
each other and make a difference,”
says Gould.
She notes that for centuries, a vast
number of women have led and served
as change agents. “Unfortunately, the
majority of them never made it into the

headlines or history books. A prime
example—few individuals knew that
12 women ran for president before
Hillary Clinton.”
In a recent Yes! magazine article,
Rucha Chitnis reports that women are
rising up to push back against growing
corporate power, land grabs, economic
injustice, climate change and more.
Women’s groups and networks offer a
paradigm shift, she concludes, exposing links between unbridled capitalism,
violence, the erosion of human rights
and destruction of the Earth.
A woman’s style of leadership
in America’s corporate boardrooms,
activist-led movements or state and
federal government may not be plainly
evident. Feminine wisdom’s emerging
solutions are compassionate, collabora-

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tive and consensus-building, and pursue
universal outcomes and group cooperation. They contrast with conventional
competitive strategies and solutions,
according to The Legislative Effectiveness
of Women in Congress study at Vanderbilt University’s Center for the Study of
Democratic Institutions, in Nashville.
Jean Shinoda Bolen, a medical
doctor, Jungian analyst in Mill Valley,
California, and author of Artemis: The
Indomitable Spirit in Everywoman,
has been advocating since 2002 for a
United Nations Fifth World Conference
on Women (5WCW). “Empowered
and equal women are the key to peace
and sustainability. We need to rise up
together and fulfill the Dalai Lama’s
words at the Vancouver Peace Summit: ‘It will be up to Western women to
bring about peace.’”
Bolen’s 5WCW vision joins
millennial women worldwide now
entering their era of activism with the
feminist movement spearheaded by
a boomer generation of women that’s
forwarded the equality and empowerment of women this far. To this end, she
marched in Washington, D.C., on January 21 in the Million Women’s March
that globally attracted 5 million participants. “To make human rights women’s
rights, we need a united global women’s movement,” she states.
Sande Hart, from Orange County,
California, director of the Charter for
Compassion International-Women
and Girls sector and president of the
women’s global interfaith organization Spiritual and Religious Alliance for
Hope (SARAH), participated in the Los
Angeles Women’s March with 750,000
others. “There’s a sense that we’ve
had enough. We’re not angry. We are
morally outraged and seeking peaceful

solutions wrapped in compassion and
based in justice for all. In nearly 15 years
of women’s community building, I’m
convinced that healing our communities
with resilience and a regenerative spirit
is our biological and innate imperative. I
see women emerging in unprecedented
ways to make this happen,” says Hart.
The Rising Women Rising World
organization provides tools and training
to help women and men develop feminine wisdom and the qualities of potent
compassion, deep listening, intuition
and inclusivity. Hazel Henderson, an
evolutionary economist in St. Augustine, Florida, host of the Ethical Markets
online TV show and researcher of The
Love Economy shared in her book The
Politics of the Solar Age: Alternatives
to Economics, has mentored staff
members of Rising Women Rising
World. Henderson contends that to
shape a future for the good of all, we
must bring into balance the masculine
and feminine energies and learn to
value the long-marginalized qualities of
feminine wisdom.
Henderson’s Love Economy paradigm reflects the sharing and caring
sector not presently reflected in the
nation’s gross domestic product. “Women’s unpaid work—raising children,
taking care of households, serving on
school boards, volunteering, caring for
aging parents, etc.—constitutes 50 percent of all production in the U.S. and
70 percent of that in developing countries. This unvalued economic sector
underlies and supports the public and
private parts of the entire economy,”
advises Henderson, who observes that
competition cannot be the sole basis
for an economy with any expectation of
high quality of life on a small planet.
In her film, As She Is, producer
and director Megan McFeely, of Marin
County, California, captures her own
journey to understand the collective
potential of the feminine and how to
live true to its innate knowing. She
queries: “Can you imagine what might
happen if women here and around the
world rose up together and used our
power of longing to heal the Earth?”
Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer
for Natural Awakenings. Connect at
ItsAllAboutWe.com.

Pregnancy, Low Back Pain
and Chiropractic Care
A Natural Choice for Expecting Moms
by Richard Picard

S

tudies estimate that greater than 50 percent of pregnant
women will suffer from lower back pain, with one third
of them claiming severe pain that reduces quality of
life. Of those affected, 80 percent claim that their lower back
pain affects their daily routine, and 10 percent report that
they are unable to work. The majority of women are affected
in their first pregnancy.
The most common pain patterns associated with pregnancy are lumbar (lower back pain) and posterior pelvic pain
(pain over the sacrum and gluteal regions). Other symptoms
include sciatica which is pain radiating down into one or
both lower extremities.
Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at
and above the waist in the center of the back. This low back
pain may or may not be concurrent with pain that radiates
into the leg or foot. In general, lumbar pain during pregnancy
is similar to lower back pain experienced by non-pregnant
women. This type of pain typically increases with prolonged
postures such as sitting, standing or repetitive lifting. Tenderness may also be present in the muscles along the spine during pregnancy.
Posterior pelvic pain is four times more prevalent than
lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below the
waistline, and/or below on either side across the tailbone.
Such pregnancy pelvic pain may be experienced on one or
both sides.
During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes various
structural changes to accommodate the growing fetus. As
pregnancy progresses, these changes have a profound effect
on the daily functioning of the pregnant patient. The release
of such hormones as relaxin and progesterone changes the
body’s physiology, which can exaggerate anatomic stresses in
the maternal body.

24

Rhode Island Edition

Relaxin, which starts to be released around the 10th to
12th week of pregnancy, causes laxity within the sacroiliac
joints and pubic symphysis to allow for widening of the
pelvic girdle. As the pelvis begins to tilt anteriorly, the lumbar
lordosis increases, which places an increased stretch on the
extensor muscles of the trunk and on the sacroiliac joints,
leading to increased low back and pelvic pain. Furthermore,
as the fetus descends into the widened pelvis, the increased
pressure on the lumbosacral plexus can induce sciatic pain
and paresthesia in the leg.
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on
disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system
and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat musculoskeletal
complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck
pain, shoulder, hip or leg pain and headaches.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs), often referred to as
chiropractors, practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to
health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and
treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are
also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle
counseling.
In many cases, such as lower back pain and pregnancy,
chiropractic care may be a patient’s primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic
services may complement or support medical treatment by
relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with pregnancy. Several studies showed that chiropractic care is safe
and associated with improved outcomes in pregnancy related
low back pain.
Here are a few steps that can be taken to help reduce back
pain while pregnant:
n Use exercises approved by your health care provider that
support and help strengthen the back and abdomen.
Squat to pick up something instead of bending over.
n Avoid high heels and other shoes that do not provide adequate support.
n Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees and avoid
sleeping on your back
n Consider having your back adjusted by a chiropractor or
getting a massage by a therapist familiar with pregnancy
related therapy
n Listen to your body, avoid things that make you uncomfortable and get plenty of rest.
Dr. Richard Picard is unique as he utilizes instrument-assisted
spinal manipulation where there is no “cracking” sensation
associated with treatment. Gentle tapping spinal adjustments
will restore normal function to the area and provide relief of
muscular tightness. This provides a more comfortable experience for the patient and significant pain relief in a short
period of time. His chiropractic practice is located at 342
Atwood Ave., Cranston. For more information, call 401-9426967 or visit DrRichardPicard.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide.

eaching me how to steer the
30-foot-long sailboat he built, my
father would say, “It’s the sail that
follows the wind, and the rudder that
follows the sail.” The sail, by its nature,
will catch the wind and lean into it. The
rudder is for steering once we’ve set sail.
Our soul is like a sail. Once
hoisted, it’s filled by the wind of Spirit,
which establishes our course and direction. Our will is our rudder; its job is to
follow where the soul filled with Spirit
leads, helping to steer our way. When
we lean on will to make things happen,
we can grow stubborn, confused or lost.
Clear sailing comes when we’re being
carried toward a vision greater than our
self, feeling wholly alive along the way.
Scudding along the sea, my father
was living once for all time, feeling the
sensation of all life in that moment.
We all yearn to live in these moments
forever, yet even a taste of aliveness can
fill, sustain and refresh us in the midst
of daily tasks.
We all face times beyond our
control when life doesn’t follow our
designs and we’re asked to work with
life and not fight, curse or hide from it.
When insisting on our way, we can get
so tangled in our will that we can’t find
or feel the wind of Spirit. During these
times—when we fear there is no meaning and it seems there’s nothing holding
us up—our will can puff, snap and flap

about in a desperate attempt to fill what
looms as an empty life.
But even setting out on the sea, it’s
never easy. My father remarked, “It’s
always harder to sail toward a fixed
point, because you will inevitably have
to cross the wind several times to get
there.” By contrast, a boat moves its
fastest and cleanest when it simply follows the wind. It’s the same when we
listen for where life is taking us, instead
of busily thinking about where we’re
going. Devoting ourselves to experiencing the journey, rather than determining
a destination, we discover our way.
Like a sail, our life must be out in
the open before the wind will show its
face. Likewise, Spirit fills us when we can
inhabit our true nature. We miss what
awaits us if we hover too close to the
shore of our past, our family, someone
else’s dream for us, or an old identity.
To feel the wind in our face, we must
leave the shallows and harbors for the
deep. Only then will the larger, timeless
destination show itself and our soul be
filled enough with Spirit that our smaller
self will have no choice but to engage in
steering us toward all that matters.
Adapted excerpt from The One Life
We’re Given: Finding the Wisdom that
Waits in Your Heart, by Mark Nepo
(Atria). Connect at MarkNepo.com and
ThreeIntentions.com.

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The Joys of Grandparenting
How to Mindfully Love Little Ones
by April Thompson

B

26

Rhode Island Edition

seeking therapy. “In working with new
mothers, I’ve found that a common
area of friction is too little or too much
support from grandparents. I thought it

Conscious Grandparenting
Timurpix/Shutterstock.com

eing a grandparent can be magical; an opportunity to create both
lifelong memories and formative
experiences for grandchildren. However, it can also pose challenges that need
to be managed mindfully, say experts.
For more than 25 years, Patricia
Salem, of Louisville, Kentucky, a licensed
and board-certified art therapist, has
taught mindfulness practices and art
therapy in such diverse settings as hospitals and schools. Aiming to help kids
and adults learn to harmoniously ease
life’s challenges, her work across generations has led her to seek ways to support
entire family systems on their individual
and familial journey to more mindful
living. Her classes focus on skills like
cultivating awareness, communication,
self-compassion and self-care.
“Teaching mindfulness and stress
reduction to children is a start; however, teaching parents and grandparents is
important, too. Children need reinforcement at home for practices they are
learning in order for them to take hold,”
says Salem.
Carolyn Tucker, a psychotherapist
in Atlanta, started offering classes on
mindful grandparenting six years ago
after witnessing a rise in grandparents

wise to help prepare them,” says Tucker.
She helps grandparents develop
realistic expectations of their role. “It’s
easy to revert to what you know—the
parenting role—so it’s important to set
mindful intentions,” she observes.
Tucker encourages grandparents
to make mindful memories during time
spent with the grandchildren. “You can
find joy by being still and marveling
at a grandchild’s beautiful little hands
and dimpled knees while registering
how the air in the room feels to create a
vivid mental snapshot of the moment.
“Parents and kids can become too
busy, and grandparents can help them
slow down. Lie on the grass together
and look at cloud shapes or blow a
dandelion. To me, that is the romance of
grandparenting, and mindfulness allows
the romance to blossom,” she says.
Susan Moon, a Berkeley, California,
author and grandmother who has
practiced Zen Buddhism for nearly
40 years, sees grandparenting as an
opportunity to release expectations;
this feat can be difficult for parents
caught up in their youngsters’ identities.
“It’s easier for grandparents to accept
grandkids for who they are and just be

Create new memories, but also share old stories. “Kids
want to hear about how their parents were as children,
and it gives them a sense of history,” advises author
Susan Moon.
Be open to learning new technology to communicate across the generational divide. “While grandparents learn about the world of social media from their
grandchildren, they can also encourage them to cut
back on checking their cell phones in favor of interpersonal activities,” says art therapist Patricia Salem.
When visiting grandkids, especially if they live
in different cities, “Always have some ‘grandma magic’ up your sleeve—like
games, puzzles or craft projects that can be collaborated on—to maximize precious time together,” suggests Moon.
Invite grandchildren to try out meditation or breathing techniques practiced by their elders. “It can help lessen the stresses they encounter in school
and at home,” says Salem.
“Be careful to foster cooperation rather than competition in any shifting relationship with a child-turned-parent,” advises psychotherapist Carolyn
Tucker. Otherwise, it can create chaos, undermine a parent’s confidence and
strain relationships.
For more advice on being a great grandparent, visit GrandparentsLink.com.

Youth Program ages 5 and up 9:15 — 10:30 AM
Teen Program ages 13 and up
Childcare provided for children under 5
Community Fellowship immediately following

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messages of Eckhart Tolle, Louise Hay and Dr. Michael Beckwith resonate with you,
you’ll feel right at home with us.

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T of AGA
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Connect with freelance writer April
Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at
AprilWrites.com.

The Grace School

fi n

joyful with them. They get to be in the
moment with the kids without worrying about the day-to-day details of
caregiving that can consume parents.”
She explores such ideas in her book
This is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on
Aging with Humor and Dignity.
Being past their working years,
grandparents are often more accepting
and peaceful themselves, which can
be inspiring for younger generations,
adds Salem. For Moon, it’s vital to be
mindful of the image of aging that’s
projected; “I try to model that old age
isn’t tragic, and show the joy in this
stage of life,” she says.
Yet grandparents also should be
mindful of any physical limitations
and set boundaries with grandkids as
needed. “It’s okay to say, ‘I can’t hang
on the jungle gym with you,’ and suggest
an alternative,” says Moon.
Good relationships with the
grandkids begin with maintaining open
relationships with their parents, experts
note. To do this, consistently engage
in compassionate listening. “It can be
tempting for grandparents that know
what may have worked in raising their
own children to react or jump in, but
it’s important to avoid giving unsolicited
advice,” Salem cautions.
At the same time, grandparents
can notice aspects a harried parent
may miss and, if handled carefully,
can provide important insights. “I
was known as the ‘fairy mom’, offering magic, art and imagination. I was
grateful my own mother was there,
too, because one child needed more
structure and stability than I was
providing,” says Tucker, a mother of
four. “She gave me mindful feedback
without making me feel like she was
trying to usurp my role.”
Moon suggests practicing “right
speech”—messages that are positive,
affirming and loving—with everyone.
“It’s important to be humble and recognize the huge job of parents and all
they juggle. Let them know that you are
there to support them in whatever way
you can.”

NATURAL
MOTHERHOOD
Creating the Best Start for New Life
by Deborah Shouse

A

“

woman’s body is exquisitely designed to conceive,
nurture and give birth,” says Dr. Carol J. Phillips, an
Annapolis, Maryland, prenatal chiropractor, doula
and author of Hands of Love: Seven Steps to the Miracle of
Birth.
Judith Lothian, Ph.D., associate editor of the Journal of
Perinatal Education, professor of nursing at Seton Hall University, in South Orange, New Jersey, and a natural childbirth
educator, knows the significance of women’s deep intuitive instinct. “Women who feel supported and encouraged
can tap into their own wisdom and find deep satisfaction in
giving birth naturally. The process itself perfectly prepares
mother and baby to continue on their journey together.”
Several gentle strategies help mothers-to-be prepare for
the joys of natural pregnancy and childbirth.

comfort foods like pizza, macaroni or ice cream may signal
the need for more nurturing. Eyeing popcorn or chips could
be a sign she’s stuffing down an emotion. She can ask herself,
“What am I suppressing?”
“Eat a lot of protein, including vitamin B-rich foods, during both pregnancy and breastfeeding,” advises O’Mara.
“Nursing moms need to eat nutrient-dense foods frequently, along with getting adequate fluids,” says Wilson.
She recommends foods that assist lactation called galatactagogues, like almonds, avocados, legumes, kale and spinach.
To increase milk production, add fennel to meals or smoothies, or turn to capsules.

Build a Baby-Friendly Body
“Follow your urges,” counsels Peggy O’Mara, of Santa Fe,
New Mexico, former editor of Mothering Magazine and
author of Having a Baby, Naturally. “Eat when you’re hungry.
Sleep when you’re weary. Go to the bathroom the moment
nature calls. Practice this in pregnancy so you’ll be in the
habit of listening to your instincts when you give birth.” This
simple advice counters women’s common habit of attending
to other people’s needs instead of their own.
Along with eating organic whole foods, Kristy Wilson,
of Las Vegas, a certified professional midwife, labor doula
and placenta preparation specialist, recommends both a
plant-based food supplement with iron and whole food
prenatal supplement. Vitamin C is important for a strong
amniotic sac; she suggests at least 500 milligrams daily. A
high-strung mom can take magnesium chloride baths or sip a
soothing cup of red raspberry leaf tea.
“Women that are concerned about their diet can tune
into the baby and ask what they need,” says Lori Bregman,
of Santa Monica, California, a doula, birth coach and author
of The Mindful Mom-to-Be. If craving a certain dish, she can
research its benefits and healing qualities. The yearning for

28

Rhode Island Edition

RINaturalAwakenings.com

Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

Discover Intuitive Nutrition

Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Keep Moving with Intention

advises. “Protect yourself from toxic
people and their horror stories. Focus
Wilson recommends yoga, swimming,
on maintaining your own good health
walking or light jogging three to five
and surround yourself with people that
times a week, for 20 minutes a day.
have experienced a normal birth. Plan
“Squatting like a child on your haunchto have uplifting support during the
es is a great exercise for childbirth,” she
birthing process and in the postpartum
says, noting that 20 squats daily will
period.”
strengthen core muscles. Sitting on an
A woman easily influenced by
exercise ball instead of a desk chair
others might ask her doula, midwife or
or couch also engages core muscles,
spouse to be her advocate. A woman
while improving posture.
that needs to exercise control might
“Regular exercise brings more
seek such assistance for peace of mind,
energy, better sleep, reduced stress,
knowing that her wishes will be folhigher spirits, better odds of an easy
lowed.
labor, faster post-delivery recovery and
“‘Pain’ is a fear-based word,” to
reduced risk of gestational diabetes and
be avoided in conversations about
high blood pressure during pregnancy,”
labor, Wilson explains. “Don’t fear the
Bregman finds. She recommends a
strength of contractions. They are doing
prenatal yoga practice that includes
exactly what your body needs to do
breathing and visualizations. This
give birth.” As a midwife, she helps
restorative form of yoga offers gentle
The connections established to
moms
relax and embrace these instretching, promotes good circulation
tensely
important sensations by focusbetween
mother
and
and naturally supports relief or healing
ing
on
what
is going on in their body.
of many possible pregnancy ailments.
child are much stronger
Research
published
in the journal Cell
“To alleviate physical distress,
Adhesion
&
Migration
shows that the
when
she
progresses
through
try chiropractic prenatal care,” says
hormones
released
during
labor enter
Phillips. Light finger contact from an
pregnancy and birth from
into
the
baby’s
immune
system
to also
experienced practitioner helps realign
strengthen
the
child.
a
natural
perspective.
bony segments and restores the body’s
normal tone. “A prenatal expert can
~Kristy Wilson
Spark the Spirit
adjust so the mom’s body maintains its
Affirmations can positively state the
balance and the baby is free to move.”
mother-to-be’s
intentions
for pregnancy and birth. Examples
Craniosacral therapy reestablishes balance to the meminclude:
“Birth
is
a
safe
and
wonderful experience. I am
branes that encapsulate the brain and spinal cord.
choosing the right path for my birth. I trust my body and my
instincts. I have all the support I need.” Wilson recommends
Prepare the Mind
choosing two to four that resonate, repeating them every
“Just say, ‘No thanks,’ to friends who want to burden you
morning while gazing into the mirror, placing them on the
with stories of their long, excruciating labors,” O’Mara

refrigerator door and even having them
pop up on a smartphone.
“Meditation prepares you for
childbirth and can also be soothing
during labor by offering tools that push
away fear,” says O‘Mara. She likes this
mantra from Thich Nhat Hahn’s book,
Being Peace: “Breathing in, I calm myself, breathing out, I smile.”
To begin, sit comfortably in a quiet
room with eyes closed. For women new
to meditation, Wilson suggests lighting a
scented or colored candle and noticing
the colors and movement of the flame
for something physical to focus on. “This
calming practice is important because
labor becomes like a meditation,” she
says. The mother copes through the
contraction, then uses her meditation
skills to reset, refocus and ground herself
before the next contraction.
Wilson and Bregman both encourage expectant mothers to keep a journal during pregnancy. “Record thoughts
and experiences. Sometimes dreams
tell things about the child, who has a
story too,” advises Wilson.

Design a Special
Experience

Wilson encourages the spouse to
be involved from the beginning. “The
partner’s energy plays a role in how
the birth progresses during labor. Plus,
being part of the planning keeps him
engaged and attuned to her wishes.”

Create a Birth Plan

Those that prefer a home birth can find
a compatible midwife through a natural
birthing community such as the National
Association of Certified Professional
Midwives, International Childbirth Education Association and La Leche League.
For a hospital experience, look for lowCaesarean rates, a personally compatible doctor and a distinct birthing center.
Either way, a doula or midwife can help
craft the desired birth plan.
Upon selecting a venue, the expectant mother may imagine the ideal
birth environment and write positive
statements, such as, “I want to move
around freely. I want my husband and
sister with me at all times.”
“If a home birth is a mother’s first
choice, design two plans; one for home
and one for the hospital,” suggests Phillips. “If the mother needs hospital care
during labor, the attendants will know
her wishes.”

Orchestrate a Childbirth Team

“The birthing mother needs continuous
support from someone that can focus
on her and her needs,” says Phillips.
“The partner also needs to have access
to experienced support. Both need to
surround themselves with people that
know how to enfold them in love.”’
A birthing team includes the medically trained attendant appointed to help
deliver the baby; either a midwife or a
doctor. Many women choose to have a
trained doula collaborate, as well. She
provides continuity of care and advocacy, lessens the need for medical intervention, stays with the mother, honors and
includes the partner and supports the
parents in making informed decisions.
With home births, family members
tend to invite themselves over. The mom
needs to have control of her birthing atmosphere. “I encourage moms to be firm
regarding who they want in the room
when the baby is born,” Wilson says.

Blessing the Birth

Honor the Postpartum Mother

T

“

he blessingway ceremony helps a woman
prepare mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the
work of birthing, opening
her to instinctive abilities
that will guide her in mothering,” says Donna Miller
Watelet, interfaith minister
and co-author of Mother Rising: The Blessingway Journey
into Motherhood.
Miller Watelet, a
facilitator of dozens of
blessingway rituals, shares an example
of a nourishing gathering: In a comfortable and safe room, a group of friends
circles the mother-to-be, signifying their
support. They discuss the intention for
the blessingway and invite the mom to
symbolically let go of any fears blocking a harmonious experience. Once her
fears are emptied out, they fill her up

30

Rhode Island Edition

with affirmations, appreciations and adornments.
Women can gift an object
that has meaning to them,
such as a bead, flower or
scrap of cloth, as a sign of
their commitment to her.
These gifts will then be fashioned into something lasting,
such as a necklace for the
mother. The circle may then
bind themselves together,
each woman wrapping red
yarn around her wrist before
passing along the skein until everyone is
connected. As they discuss this intertwining, they cut the binding yarn and
keep the bracelets, a reminder of their
caring for the new family.
“Finally, we enjoy a feast together,”
Miller Watelet says. “Sharing a meal
reminds us to bring the intentions of the
blessingway back into everyday life.”

RINaturalAwakenings.com

HTeam/Shutterstock.com

by Deborah Shouse

“Giving birth is the first big unknown
of parenting,” says Wilson. “You plan
for it and then you have to trust and
accept the outcome.” She encourages
postpartum appointments for discussing
the birth.
“A breastfeeding mother’s nutrient
requirements are actually higher postpartum,” Wilson says. To prevent deficiencies, she suggests moms nourish
themselves during this period, delaying
any focus on weight loss and regaining
muscle tone.
The birth team and other friends
can deliver meals, do light housecleaning, run a load of laundry and bring
groceries. The new parents will welcome this generous and loving help.
Deborah Shouse is a mother, writer,
speaker, editor and health advocate
in Kansas City, MO. Her latest book,
Connecting in the Land of Dementia:
Creative Activities to Explore Together,
focuses on life’s meaningful moments
(DementiaJourney.org).

The Goldilocks
Solution

How Genetics Can Affect Reproduction
by Gay Ben Tré

What does the science of genetics reveal about the blueprint we have
inherited for the complex, orderly, predictable unfolding of physiological events that are required for reproduction? How can we use the
latest research findings to our advantage?

E

ach one of the developmental
events is the result of signaling
of the DNA and RNA in the cells
of the parents and child. The DNA/
RNA must be signaled to turn on, and
when the next stage of development
is ready to occur, the DNA/RNA must
be signaled to turn off, or silence, so
the next stage can be signaled. If these
signals are not given and the sequence
of events is disrupted, the results can be
seen in infertility, miscarriage, preeclampsia, prolonged or difficult labor,
premature birth, defects in the brain,
spine or spinal cord of the baby, and
certain developmental or neurological delays that may include autism and
downs syndrome. This list is far from
exhaustive.

Free Genetic Screening for
Women Seeking Pregnancy
or Already Pregnant
During the month of May, Dr. Gay
Ben Tré will offer free screening
for the MTHFR, MTRR and MTR
mutations to women seeking to
become pregnant and for women
already pregnant. She will conduct
screenings at her office on the East
Side, in Providence, between 10
a.m. and 3 p.m., May 20, or by
appointment on selected other
days. To sign up, contact Ben Tré
at Info@DrGayBenTre.com. Type
“Goldilocks Solution” in the email
subject line.

Geneticists have identified a
particular group of genes, including the
MTHFR, which are key in the signaling.
When a parent has a mutation (SNP) in
one or more of these genes, the signaling

is disrupted. In the last century, folic
acid supplementation was added to
prenatal supplements and processed
foods to help insure healthy signaling. Studies have measured a decrease
in birth defects, in particular. However, the latest research shows that if a
woman has one or more mutations in
these key genes, she may be unable to
completely break down and absorb the
folic acid. In fact, this synthetic form of
folate may well accumulate and create
toxicity for mom and baby.
And for women who rely on whole
food supplements, these same genetic
mutations prevent the breaking down
and absorbing of folate. This means that
neither folic acid nor whole food folate
adequately supply mom and baby. Estimates vary that between 20 percent and
as many as 50 percent of Americans
have these mutations.
The good news is that there are
non-toxic broken down forms of the
key vitamins now available over the
counter to effectively compensate if you
have a mutation(s).
Dr. Gay Ben Tré is a doctor of acupuncture, a master of Chinese herbal medicine and a registered nurse. For more
than three decades, she has specialized
in supporting the health of women
and children. Her practice is located at
2 Richmond Square, Ste. 105, Providence. For more information, call 401207-4670 or visit DrGayBenTre.com.
See ad on this page.

The time a baby spends in utero is an equally important time for the
mother, as she is the primary builder of this new life. Maintaining
harmony with nature by optimizing the innate abilities of a woman’s
body to create new life is critical for a successful natural pregnancy
and birth.
Diet tips for a healthy pregnancy
One of the most common discomforts
of pregnancy is the morning sickness
that usually appears during the first
trimester. The nauseous feeling mothers-to-be may have is a result of the
increased hormones in her body.
While doctors recognize morning
sickness as a good sign that the placenta is developing well, it can become
overwhelming to the mother. Herbal
teas such as ginger, chamomile, peppermint, raspberry leaf and spearmint
may help to calm the stomach, reducing nausea and vomiting and increase
the daily intake of water.
Pregnancy is one time in a
woman’s life when the goal is to pack
pounds. But it’s important to keep the
weight within a healthy range for her
body type. Here are some general
guidelines to keep weight gain on track
and optimize digestion:

■ Ensure optimal hydration (at least 2
liters of water/ day) as chronic dehydration can lead to serious pregnancy
complications, including neural tube
defects, low amniotic fluid, inadequate
breast milk production and even
premature labor. These risks, in turn, can
lead to birth defects due to lack of water
and nutritional support for the baby.
■ It has also been speculated that suboptimal quantities of water consumed
by the mother during pregnancy may
lead to thirst from the unborn fetus and
manifest as nausea.
■ Eat small meals regularly and adequate amounts of quality protein to
help sustain blood sugar levels throughout the day.
■ Consume quality proteins such as lean
red meat, organic chicken, free range
eggs, nuts, seeds and organic tofu.

It is critical for pregnant women to get
adequate rest and sleep. Sleep cleans
out the neurological database, allowing for one to feel rested and to think
clearly. It also helps to improve the
immune system and the brain function,
not to mention one’s skin and mood.
Sleep helps boost growth hormone, the ultimate rejuvenating hormone that helps to keep an ideal body
weight and shape. Sleep becomes extra
important to pregnant mothers because
they need growth hormone for developing the placenta and uterus. Sleep also
helps counteract many of the stresses
of pregnancy by ensuring fetal development during tough times.
Women’s fears and attitudes to
childbirth may influence stress levels,
the maternity care they receive and the
outcomes of birth. In a study conducted
in 2012 by Haines et al., three groups
of expecting women were formed.
Belonging to the ‘Fearful’ group had a
negative effect on women’s emotional
health during pregnancy and increased
the likelihood of a negative birth experience. Both women in the ‘Take it as
it comes’ and the ‘Fearful’ group had
higher odds of having an elective caesarean compared to women in the ‘Self
Determiners’ group.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout pregnancy can help
women stay healthy and feel their best.
Regular exercise can improve posture
and decrease some common discomforts
such as backaches and fatigue. There is
evidence that physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes, relieve stress
and build more stamina needed for labor

The flower is the poetry of reproduction. It is an example of the eternal seductiveness of life.
~Jean Giraudoux
32

Rhode Island Edition

RINaturalAwakenings.com

and delivery. The American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends
30 minutes or more of moderate exercise
per day, unless an individual has a medical or pregnancy complication.

CREATIVE
DESIGN BUILD
LANDSCAPES

Supplements for a healthy
pregnancy

Pregnancy supplements should contain
the recommended daily allowance of
many of the important nutrients such
as calcium, magnesium, iron, folic
acid, zinc, iodine, B vitamins and fish
oil. This will ensure optimal levels of
nutrition through out the pregnancy and
reduce any deficiencies.
A newly pregnant lady experiences
shifts in hormonal status (estrogen/ progesterone) and this change in hormones
may cause thrush or candida symptoms
(bloating, constipation, flatulence, vaginal mucus discharge, or white coating
on the tongue) in some women. When
the baby is delivered by a vaginal birth,
it receives a dose of healthy bacteria
to begin life with strong immunity and
digestive health. Taking a probiotic during pregnancy will help to make certain
that the vaginal canal has a good supply of beneficial bacteria and minimal
unfavorable bacteria.
Giving birth is a natural process
that should not be interfered with
unless necessary. In optimal conditions, being pregnant and giving birth
are natural life experience for which
a woman’s body is well designed. By
supporting the body’s own instinctive
knowledge, we create an internal and
external environment of health for a
new life to thrive.
Dr. Martine Delonnay is the founder
of Healing Journey LLC, located in the
Sage Healing Collaborative at 201Waterman Ave., East Providence. She is
a naturopathic doctor licensed in the
states of VT and NH, and a member
of the AANP (American Association of
Naturopathic Physician), MSND (Massachussets Association of Naturopathic
Doctors) and the RIANP (Rhode Island
Association of Naturopathic Physician).
For more information, call 617-401-5076
or visit HealingJourney.me. See ad on
page 17.

jeff@avalondesigngroupllc.com
www.avalondesigngroup.com
401.773.9997

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Rice Milk

Milk Minus the Moo

Evaluating Alternatives to Dairy
by Judith Fertig

W

hen dietary concerns, food
sensitivities or curiosity
prompt us to try alternative
milks, it helps to know the basic facts
about the leading types, to choose the
best ones for us.

Almond Milk

Pro: Almond milk is low in fat and can be
easily made at home, so ingredients are
known. One cup of homemade almond
milk has about 40 calories, one gram of
protein, 6 percent of the daily value (DV)
for calcium, three grams of fat and eight
grams of carbohydrates. As for storebought options, one cup of Silk Organic
Almond Original contains 60 calories,
with one gram of protein, 10 percent DV
for calcium, two-and-a-half grams of fat
and eight grams of carbohydrates.
Con: Almond milk is neither high in
protein nor calcium; it’s not as nutritionally packed as other alternatives. Some
might not care for the faint nutty flavor.

Coconut Milk

Pro: Dr. Josh Axe, a functional medicine
physician who owns the popular natural
health website, DrAxe.com, and the
Exodus Health Center, near Nashville,
Tennessee, points out, “High in mediumchain triglycerides, coconut milk is a
very filling, fat-burning food.” One cup
of homemade coconut milk has about

34

Rhode Island Edition

450 calories, six grams of protein and 64
grams of fat, plus trace minerals such as
manganese, phosphorus, magnesium,
iron and copper. Canned coconut milk
is similar: one cup of Native Forest
Unsweetened Coconut Milk Classic contains 420 calories, three grams of protein
and 45 grams of fat, plus trace minerals
such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper in each cup.
Con: High in fat and calories, coconut milk may not be the best choice
for drinking every day, but is delicious
in Asian-style soups and curries.

Hemp Milk

Pro: Hemp milk, made from hulled
hemp seeds, contains 10 essential amino acids, including key fats. “Omega-3
and omega-6 fatty acids are vital for
healthy functioning of the brain,” says
Axe. Hemp milk works well for people
with tree nut allergies.
One cup of Pacific Hemp Original has 140 calories, three grams of
protein, 50 percent DV for calcium,
five grams of fat and 20 grams of
carbohydrates. Living Harvest Tempt
Hemp Milk has 80 calories per cup,
two grams of protein, 30 percent DV
for calcium, eight grams of fat and one
gram of carbohydrates.
Con: Grassy-tasting hemp milk
tends to separate in hot coffee.

RINaturalAwakenings.com

Pro: High in vitamins and calcium
when fortified, rice milk made from
brown rice is also high in vitamins.
According to Ted Kallmyer, author of
Flexible Dieting, in Bend, Oregon, rice
milk is the least likely alternative milk
to trigger an allergy.
One cup of Pacific Rice Milk has
130 calories, one gram of protein, 30
percent DV for calcium, two grams of
fat and 37 grams of carbohydrates. One
cup of Rice Dream Organic Rice Drink
has 120 calories, one gram of protein,
30 percent DV for calcium, 2.5 grams
of fat and 23 grams of carbohydrates.
Con: Low in fat and protein, it’s
also relatively high in carbohydrates.
It has a less creamy texture than hemp,
coconut or soy milks.

Soy Milk

Pro: Soy milk provides more protein
than other alternative milks. Look for
a calcium-fortified, organic brand that
doesn’t contain the thickening agent
carrageenan, suggests Dr. Andrew Weil,
founding director of the Arizona Center
for Integrative Medicine, in Tucson.
Different brands have different
nutritional components. For example, one
cup of Organic Valley Soy Original has
100 calories per cup, with seven grams of
protein, 30 percent DV for calcium, three
grams of fat and 11 grams of carbohydrates. One cup of Organic EdenSoy Extra
Original Soymilk contains 130 calories,
with 11 grams of protein, 20 percent
DV for calcium, four grams of fat and
13 grams of carbohydrates.
Con: Some people might not like the
thick texture and soy aftertaste. Dr. Frank
Lipman, founder and director of Eleven
Eleven Wellness Center, in New York City,
says that limiting soy is a good idea due
to soy’s prevalent pesticide saturation and
its researched links to thyroid, endocrine
system and sex hormone dysfunction
(Tinyurl.com/SoyDarksideStudies). If soy
is eaten, “Choose certified organic, soy
products—preferably fermented versions like miso, natto and tempeh—with
the Non-GMO Project seal; and do so
sparingly, no more than twice a week,”
advises Lipman.
Judith Fertig writes food health articles
and cookbooks from Overland Park, KS
(JudithFertig.com).

DIY Milks

NON-DAIRY

Looker_Studio/Shutterstock.com

With fresh ingredients, a high-speed blender and a reusable nut milk bag or
strainer, we can make our own alternative milk in minutes at home.

Optional: Add a preferred flavoring.
Pour into a container and store
covered in the refrigerator for up
to three days.

Using a high-powered blender, start
blending on low and increase to high
to reach a smooth milk consistency.

(gluten-free options too)

Strain through a nut milk bag to remove
any almond skin or pieces.

Almond Milk

Soak the almonds in salted water for
at least 12 hours before blending.

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Place hot water, and then shredded
coconut, in a high-speed blender,
starting on low speed and increasing
to high for a total of three minutes.
Strain the coconut milk through a nut
milk bag into a container.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up
to three days.

170 Ives Street, Providence

401.228.3880
Book Our Truck for
Your Next Event

401.419.8869
www.like-no-udder.com

natural awakenings

May 2017

35

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naturalpet

DECODING DOG
BODY TALK
Three Signals of Anxiety
by Susan Briggs

F

amily dogs frequently accompany
us on errands and outings away
from their familiar home environment and we want them to enjoy these
expeditions, so understanding their
view of the world is important.
To a dog, every experience is either
familiar or unfamiliar. The first time they
encounter a new sound, place or person, they may feel anxious. We can help
with the adjustment by introducing them
slowly to each new experience and step
aside to provide them distance or space
to observe it first at their own pace.
Knowing the “tells” that signal
when a dog is comfortable or uncomfortable goes a long way to a harmonious experience. Allison Culver, assistant
director of The Lightfoot Way holistic
animal learning center, in Houston,
remarks, “Knowing how to communicate with your animal can save a lot of
heartache.” With a bit of applied attention, we can readily learn to understand
the changes in canine body posture
and behavior that communicate their
emotional state.

36

Rhode Island Edition

Start by observing the dog’s posture
when they are relaxed at home. It’s
likely that their weight is balanced
on all four legs and their mouth is
slightly open; movement is relaxed,
loose and agile.
When a dog feels happy or playful,
notice how their ears may perk up or
tilt slightly forward. Their tail might rise
and wag, and they may emit a cheerful bark. Using their visual and audio
demeanor as a baseline prepares us to
be alert for three secret tells that signal
a change in their emotion.
Closing their mouth routinely occurs when a dog is unsure or anxious.
When their mouth remains closed for a
minute or more, it’s a sure clue that they
need more time to process information.
Lip licking such as quick flicks of
the tongue is meant to appease and
may prevent an uncomfortable situation
from escalating into anything resembling a confrontation. Dogs do it with
each other and with us, too.
A look away that avoids direct
eye contact likewise signals that a

RINaturalAwakenings.com

dog is urgently processing their current environment.
Norwegian dog trainer Turid Rugaas,
author of On Talking Terms with Dogs:
Calming Signals, identifies the lip
licking and averting of the eyes as selfcalming behaviors. She affirms, “When
dogs are stressed by the environment,
they start using calming signals to ease
the stress.”
When this happens, first try creating more space or distance between
the dog and any perceived threat; this
may return them to their body language
norm. If not, consider using holistic
calming aids like a properly mixed lavender essential oil spray or Bach Rescue
Remedy Pet flower essences, keeping
these well away from their face.
Also try mentally engaging the dog
with learned cues. A quick game of sit,
down, sit plus high-five allows them to
engage in a familiar activity while they
adjust to a new environment.
If the pet does not respond to
normal cues and continues to display
multiple stress signals for an extended
period, leave the scene altogether.
Their anxiety hasn’t been relieved. If
it’s still important that the dog learns to
enjoy the troubling environment, work
with a professional trainer that uses
positive reinforcement tools to aid the
transition (see PetProfessionalGuild.
com or apdt.com). The trainer will
assist in creating a plan that allows
the pet to adjust at a pace that allows
them to remain comfortable.
By observing a dog’s posture, we
can be confident of choosing mutually
good outings.
Susan Briggs, of Houston, TX, is
co-author of Off-Leash Dog Play:
A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun,
co-founder of The Dog Gurus
and owner of Crystal Canine
(CrystalCanine.com).

If there are no dogs
in Heaven,
then when I die
I want to go
where they went.
~Will Rogers

calendarofevents
NOTE: All Calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month prior to
publication and adhere to our guidelines. Visit RINaturalAwakenings.com to
submit Calendar events or email info@rinaturalawakenings.com for guidelines.

MONDAY, MAY 1
Country Dance Program – 6:30-7:30pm. Join
us for a country dancing lesson presented by Lois
Meinhardt. No experience necessary. Lighten
up your Monday mood with an evening of dancing. Free. Mansfield Public Library, 255 Hope
St, Mansfield, MA. 508-261-7380. Register:
MansfieldLibraryMA.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 4
Meditation & Near Death Experiences – 10:3011:30am. Humans have had NDE since time immemorial. Learn about these experiences, the effects it
had on their lives and how spirituality and meditation emerge as the universal link. Free. St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce St, East Greenwich.
401-884-4116.
Awakening Through Drum Healing – 2-4pm.
Have you had a situation where you haven’t felt
the same since? You may have experienced power
and/or soul loss. Shamanic drum healing returns
parts to self, removes energetic blocks and restores
harmony. $35/person; group format. 150 Adirondack
Dr, East Greenwich. To register: 401-736-6500 or
Paul@Energy-N-Elements.com.
Special Monthly Yoga Nidra – 7:30-8:30pm.
Yoga nidra is an ancient form of meditation that
allows you to effortlessly disengage from restrictive physical, mental and emotional patterning.
$10, free/members. Santosha Yoga and Holistic
Health Center, 275 Reservoir Ave, Providence.
401-780-9809. YogaAtSantosha.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 6
John of God Crystal Healing Bed – 10am-5pm.
Experience an hour session with the John of God
crystal healing bed. An intuitive opening and healing
like no other. $30. First Spiritualist Church of RI,
83 S Rose St, East Providence. To schedule an appt,
Ernie 401-641-3516. SpiritualistChurchRI.com.

MONDAY, MAY 8
Relax, Restore, Renew – 4-6pm. Replenish your
body, mind and spirit with a practice of gentle movement followed by deeply supported poses, soothing
breath-work, guided relaxation and a mantra. $25.
Innerlight Yoga, 850 Aquidenck Ave, Middletown Commons, Middletown. 401-849-3200.
InnerlightYoga.com.
Exploring Spiritual Healing – 6:30-9pm. Come
explore the wonderful healing energies of Spirit. You
can take part in the experience or just sit back and
see what you feel. Meeting twice in May on the 8 &
22. Free. First Spiritualist Church of RI, 83 S Rose
St, East Providence. SpiritualistChurchRI.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 9
Drumming Circle with Karmle Conrad – 6:308:30pm. Join the Cape Cod Psychic, Karmle Conrad, for a fun night of drum healing. Let the sound
vibrations cleanse your energy field. If you have
your own drum bring it with you. $15. First Spiritualist Church of RI, 83 S Rose St, East Providence.
SpiritualistChurchRI.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
Paint and Express with Zandra – 9-11:30am.
Enjoy a morning of self-expression, awareness and
a little creativity. Using some exercises as you tap
into your conscious and subconscious to explore
your self. $45 includes materials. Blue Dragonfly
Wellness, 6828 Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown.
401-741-5055. BlueDragonflyRI.com.
Proprioceptive Writing® – 12:30-2:15pm. Gain
confidence, clarity and insight in this 6-wk mindfulness practice. Meets Wednesdays with Kim
Chandler. Gain confidence as you practice together
in class and at home. $150/6 wks. Innerlight Center
for Yoga & Meditation, 850 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown Commons, Middletown. 401-849-3200.
Meditation and the “Zone” – 6:30-7:30pm. Join
Dr. Post for this energy centering program where
you will be given keys to help get into the “zone.”
Through focused accurate meditation we can get
there. Q&A. Free. Cumberland Public Library,
1464 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland. 401-333-2552.

Wisdom of Yoga in the Garden – 2:30-4:30pm.
Join senior yoga teacher, author and Master Gardener Barbara Gee and connect with your inner
gardener; cultivating the conditions for a fruitful
garden and a fruitful life. $30. All That Matters
(EG), 63 Cedar Ave, Ste 10, East Greenwich.
401-782-2126. AllThatMatters.com.

Guided Meditation – 7-8pm. This is a guided
meditation that will allow you to relax. This is a
great way to wind down from the day, or just to learn
to meditate. $10. Blue Dragonfly Wellness, 6828
Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown. 401-741-5055.
BlueDragonflyRI.com.

Drumming and Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Come
and enjoy the heartbeat of the drums. This is a great
time to have fun, relax and receive a powerful energy
healing. No drum is needed to come. Led by Tracy
and Doug. $10. Blue Dragonfly Wellness, 6828
Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown. 401-741-5055.
BlueDragonflyRI.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 16
Shamanic Journey Group – 7-8:45pm. Journey
to a live drum as you practice modern applications
of this ancient technique. Gain insight and understanding about yourself, your relationships and the
world. With Katharine Rossi. $10. Fireseed: Center
for Transformation, 194 Waterman St, 3rd Fl, Providence. 401924567. FireseedCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17
Meditation and the “Zone” – 6:30-7:30pm. Join
Dr. Post for this energy centering program where
you will be given keys to help get into the “zone.”
Through accurate meditations, we can get there.
Q&A and demo. Free. Tiverton Essex Library, 34
Roosevelt Ave, Tiverton. 401-625-6796.
Free Teleseminar: More Calm Now – 7-8:30pm.
Energetically bankrupt? Join Lisa Medley of
Soulistic Arts and learn 5 simple ways to relax
naturally in 5 minutes or less. Chronic stress is
a choice; reclaim your natural superpower. Free.
For phone bridge line info, Lisa: 401-588-2762 or
Lisa@SoulisticArts.com.

THURSDAY, MAY 18
Insight Yoga: A Master Class – 5:30-7:15pm. Join
Theresa Murphy, primary teacher for Tias Little and
the Prajna School, the third Thursday of the month
for a master class discussion and practice. $25. All
That Matters (PVD), 128 N Main St, Providence.
401-782-2126. AllThatMatters.com.

HELP WANTED
HEALING HANDS MASSAGE THERAPY –
Hiring massage therapist and chair massage tech.
401-640-0925.
PRACTITIONERS WANTED – Northern Lights,
a new holistic practitioner center for healing will be
opening it’s doors soon! Searching for a few practitioners who may be interested in coming in on the
ground floor, right at the start! If you are a life coach,
meditation teacher, massage therapist, IET instructor
or any other healing modality contact us to get more
information. A few spaces remain. Call 401-500-1908.

OPPORTUNITIES
DISTRIBUTION SITE – Offer your patrons
the opportunity to pick up their monthly copy
of Natural Awakenings magazine at your business location, and promote your events for
free with 2 calendars listings a month. Contact
Classifieds@RINaturalAwakenings.com.
PAIN RELIEF TREATMENT WITHOUT
DRUGS – Get back your health and live life! Call
now and save on your first visit! 401-884-8687.
BreidingChiropractic.com.
Healing Through Art – 6:30-9pm. Join us at
the Thrive Tribe for an evening of relaxing art
therapy with Erin Whalen of The Rusty Palette. Express yourself on the canvas. Supplies
included. $35. Thrive Tribe RI, 172 Taunton
Ave, Ste 204, East Providence. 401-757-0144.
ThriveTribe1111@gmail.com.
Reiki Share – 7-9pm. Come and practice your
reiki by giving and receiving. You must be at
least Reiki I certified. This is in a calm, relaxing
atmosphere. $5. Blue Dragonfly Wellness, 6828
Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown. 401-741-5055.
BlueDragonflyRI.com.
Book Circle – 7:30-8:30pm. Discussion of The
Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life’s
Perfection, by Michael A. Singer. The goal of our
book club is to help us grow into our best selves.
Free. Santosha Yoga and Holistic Health Center, 275
Reservoir Ave, Providence 02907. 401-780-9809.
YogaAtSantosha.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 19
Meet your Guides and Teachers – 6-9:30pm.
Come and join us for a workshop to meet your
guides and teachers. Rev. Hicks will help introduce
and build a strong relationship with your guides.
Great for everyone. $45/advance, $55/at door. Blue
Dragonfly Wellness, 6828 Post Rd, Ste 2E, North
Kingstown. 401-741-5055. BlueDragonflyRI.com.
Mediumship Gallery with Mary Catherine Volk
– 6:30-8pm. Are you curious about receiving messages from your loved ones who have crossed over

natural awakenings

May 2017

39

to the other side? Do you know the 7 most common
signs? Random audience members will receive individual messages. $30. Positive New Beginnings,
222 Warren Ave, East Providence. 401-432-7195.
BelieveInForever.today.

TUESDAY, MAY 23
Awakening Through Drum Healing – 6:308:30pm. Have you had a situation where you haven’t
felt the same since? You may have experienced
power and/or soul loss. Shamanic drum healing
returns parts to self, removes energetic blocks and
restores harmony. $35/person; group format. 1462
Park Ave, Cranston. To register: 401-944-4130 or
WhiteLight1462@aol.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 26
Truth of Power Retreat – May 26-28. 5pm, Friday4:30pm, Sunday. Explore the nature of your power,
ways of sourcing and aligning with authentic power
to live a good life in this nurturing retreat. With
Katharine Rossi. Class, food and lodging included.
$625. Fireseed: Center for Transformation, Spirit
Fire Retreat Center, Leyden, MA. 401-924-0567.
FireseedCenter.com.
Validating the Afterlife with Roland Comtois –
6-8pm. Roland brings his audiences not only messages from loved ones who have transitioned and he
also brings inspiration and reassurance. Full Circle, a
Healing Space, 650 Ten Rod Rd, Kingston. Registration required: 401-533-1864 or RolandComtois.net.

Paint and Express with Zandra – 6:30-9pm. Come
join a night of self expression, awareness, and a little
creativity. We will use some exercises as you tap
into your conscious and subconscious and express
in paint. $45 includes materials. Blue Dragonfly
Wellness, 6828 Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown.
401-741-5055. BlueDragonflyRI.com.

SUNDAY, MAY 28
Long Chant, Deep Meditation – 1:15-2:15pm.
Chanting has the power to open the heart, transform
and uplift the soul. Join us for a session of chanting
for an extended time, leading into a deep meditation.
Blissful. Donation appreciated. Ananda Center Hopkinton, 40 Collins Rd, Hopkinton. 401-524-4766.
AnandaRhodeIsland.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1
Author Presentation and Book Signing – 6:307:30pm. Join Mary Catherine Volk for an inspiring
uplifting talk highlighting her book, Believe In Forever: How to Recognize Signs from Departed Loved
Ones. Do you know the 7 most common signs?
Book available for purchase and signing. Cumberland Library, 1464 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland.
401-333-2552. BelieveInForever.today.

THURSDAY, JUNE 29
A Night on the Other Side – 7-9pm. With the
Massachusetts Medium, June Edward and Rhys
Wynn Davies. Theater style seating, they will
bring messages from loved ones on the other side.
Tickets available online. $35-$45. Venus DeMilo
Restaurant, 75 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy,
Swansea, MA. bit.ly/0629ANightOnTheOtherSide.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Pawtuxet Valley Wellness Day – 9am-5pm.
Seeking health and wellness advocates to become
vendors at the event. Register before June 1 and
receive a $10 discount off of your total registration.
Packages start at $100 a booth. TMW Productions,
LLC, PO Box 1052, East Greenwich. 401-589-1321.
Tinyurl.com/pvwellnessday2017.

Parent and Me Yoga – 9-10am. Led by Christine
Tripp. This is a combination of yoga mixed with
dance and breathing exercises, with a twist of reiki
at the end. Great quality time for parent and child.
$15, $72/6 classes. Blue Dragonfly Wellness, 6828
Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown. 401-741-5055.
BlueDragonflyRI.com.
Women’s Kung Fu – 9-10am. New students are
invited to attend for a trial class. A great place to
start to begin building stamina, strength and kung
fu skills. $225/12 wks. The Way of the Dragon,
373 Taunton Ave, East Providence. 401-435-6502.
WayDragon.com.
Southern Rhode Island Center for Spiritual
Living Study Group – 9:45am-12pm. Meets the
second Saturday at Linda Broadhead’s office.
Free. Concordia Center for Spiritual Living, Linda
Broadhead, 1220 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield. For
more info, Rev. Celeste M. Warner: 508-904-0437.
ConcordiaCSL.com.
Health and Nutrition 101 – 10-11am. Discuss the
benefits of clean eating, differences between organic,
conventional and GMO. Other topics include bioindividuality, primary and secondary foods and
much more. $25. Blue Dragonfly Wellness, 6828
Post Rd, Ste 2E, North Kingstown. 401-741-5055.
BlueDragonflyRI.com.
A Search for God Study Group – 11am-1pm. RI’s
only Edgar Cayce A Search for God Study Group
meets Saturdays. Dates vary. Currently using Book
1; must provide own book. Requested donation $5.
Riverside Public Library, 475 Bullocks Point Ave,
1st room on left inside main entrance, Riverside. For
dates: 401-246-3204 or Nordic_Star@hotmail.com.

Addiction takes many forms including alcohol/drugs, eating-disorders, shopping
& relationships to name a few. Whatever the addiction is, recovery and adjusting to a life of balance, peace and happiness requires help. As a certified coach with 12 years experience in addiction
and guiding clients to health, I’m confident that if
you’re open to change I can help you achieve it.

I specialize in mediumship readings, and connect to your loved ones, family and friends, that
have passed. It brings such a sense of closure and
peace to know they are safe and they are around
you. You have the opportunity to speak to them as
well. Meet your own guardian angels and speak to
them about your career path, life, love, and future.
I also do house harmonizations. Phone reading or
in person.

With 25 years of experience, Dr.
Picard has helped thousands of patients recover
from various health challenges with chiropractic
care. Dr. Picard is unique; he looks at the body
from a holistic perspective and focuses on wellness. He provides traditional nutrition and natural
medicine to help heal the tissues of the body that
are in need of repair. This in combination with chiropractic care creates a dynamic healing response
within the body. Don’t deal with your pain and
health challenges alone, call someone who cares.

Haber-DiBoni Chiropractic is a
family focused practice, welcoming individuals of all ages. For the past 20 years
we have successfully helped patients relieve pain
and discomfort (without medication) and maintain
their health and wellbeing. In addition to being a
Chiropractor, Dr. Haber-DiBoni is a Reiki practitioner promoting stress reduction and relaxation.

MALCHAR CHIROPRACTIC
WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Victoria Malchar, DC, CCSP
33 College Hill Rd, Building 30C
Warwick
MalcharChiropractic.com
401-826-7600
Dr. Victoria Malchar, DC. is the owner and lead
physician at Malchar Chiropractic & Wellness
Center in Warwick, RI. As a strong advocate for
combining Chiropractic care and natural health
care alternatives for a total wellness approach
to the patient, she has been blazing the trail for
combination care in New England for over 30
years. See ad on page 4.

COMMUNICATION

ESTHETICIAN
FRESH FACE SKINCARE
CENTER AT AVALON

Debby Votta
1221 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, RI
401-944-4601
FreshFaceSkinCare.net
With over 10 years of experience,
Debby Votta, owner of Fresh Face Skincare Center,
specializes in cutting-edge anti-aging skin treatments. She is consistently educating herself on the
latest and best skincare products/treatments for her
clients. She is certified in many of the latest hightech esthetic advances including microdermabrasion, micro current, led light therapy, chemical
peels and much more. See ad on page 21.

My intention and holistic expertise
is to provide innovative technology,
high performance products and services to heal
your skin. Combining vegan, organic and gluten
free products with clinical personalized treatments
the skin’s health, balance and radiance can be enhanced. Offering and using cutting edge procedures the skins transformation and harmony is the
result. This philosophy can target, correct and benefit many sensitive unbalanced & unhealthy skin
types. See ad on page 25.

CINDY JONES, MA/CRC, LMHC

Another Way Counseling Center
2797 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
750 East Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02806
401-419-4001
CJonesLMHC@aol.com
How was your 2016 performance
review? Are your demeanor or communication skills with your coworkers or boss holding you back
from the advancement that you deserve? I would be happy to meet
with you and teach you the communication skills and behavior
management techniques that will help you become a more effective, collaborative employee so
that people will listen and interact cooperatively
with you.

For 28 years we have been providing the finest quality Natural & Organic Whole
Foods, Nutritional Products, Body Care, Athletic
Supplements, Natural Pet Care and Healthful Information in a fun, comfortable and inspirational
environment. We are open daily. Please visit our
website for a wealth of information.

Resources for holistic daily living!
Search the Chamber of Commerce
Directory for holistic practitioners
and merchants. Browse the Library articles and audios. Bookmark the Calendar for “must see” holistic
events and more! Join today. It’s free. Own a business?
Join the National Holistic Chamber of Commerce™ at
MyHolisticVillage.com.

Readings in Person or by phone
by appointment. Bring a little magic to your next
Home Parties or Fundraiser. Cris is Author of “Holistic Tarot: Soul Wisdom for a New Paradigm”, her
integrative approach to reading merges numerology, spiritual astrology and connection with Divine Source to help you solve the problems in your
life. Classes in Goddessing, Tarot and Shamanism
forming now. Go to SoulWisdomTarot.com or
facebook.com/HolisticTarot for the latest news.

HOMEOPATHY
VANDANA PITKE

Need to lose weight and keep it off? Stop smoking?
Learn to relax? Make other changes in the way you
think, act or feel? Hypnosis can help. You will be
amazed at how a few hypnosis sessions can make
the impossible, possible. Start by visiting my website. Then call for an appointment or to set up a
free introductory consultation. And start turning
possibilities into realities.

With 12+ yrs experience in classical Homeopathy
Vandana Pitke has helped many clients restore
and achieve health. Vandana is a certified classical homeopath. She looks at the symptoms from
a holistic perspective focusing on mind and body.
She also incorporates ayurvedic nutrition and Mudra meditation in her practice, which makes healing faster, better and from within when combined
with homeopathy. Go to omhomeopathy.com or
join Facebook group My Holistic Health. See ad
on page 15.

Transform yourself and achieve your
goals through the trans-formative
healing process of hypnotherapy!
Aren’t you tired of talking about it
and thinking about it? We specialize in Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis
for weight loss. Call today. See ad
on page 5.

Ready for change? Using the power of your subconscious, hypnosis
can make it happen!! Call now to
schedule a session to get healthy,
quit smoking, de-stress, rid yourself
of limiting thoughts, fears and phobias or find your inner strength,
passion or motivation. Thinking of
a New Career? Think Hypnosis!
We offer The National Guild of Hypnosis Certified
Training Course, call for more information.

Susan De Lorenzo is a transformational life coach who helps clients
overcome adversity in order to
move forward in their lives. Author
of the upcoming book, Thank You,
Cancer, Susan works with clients
to release fear, doubt and worry,
helping pave the way to design and take steps toward their dreams. See ad on page 7.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift,
that’s why we call it the present.
~Joan Rivers
natural awakenings

May 2017

45

MEDIUM / AUTHOR
MARY CATHERINE VOLK

Gallery sessions and Speaking Engagements.
401-741-3478
Maryvolk8@gmail.com
Believeinforever.today
Are you interested or curious about
receiving messages from your departed loved one? Have you ever
felt their presence or received a
sign? You can’t fake a goose
bump. Our loved ones send us
signs to let us know that death is
not the end - just a transition! Inspirational and
uplifting. Best-selling author of “Believe in Forever
- How to Recognize Signs from Your Departed
Loved Ones”.

Dr. Laura Bomback
293 Linden St, Fall River, MA
508-678-1233
DrBomback.com
Our mission at Natural Health Solutions is to improve the health of our community by providing
natural options for most health issues and guidance toward the understanding that real solutions
can be achieved with real nutrition. I have been
helping people for close to 25 years achieve a
higher level of health through both nutrition and
chiropractic. See ad on page 23.

46

Rhode Island Edition

ENERGY-N-ELEMENTS
Paul A. DiSegna
401-736-6500
Energy-N-Elements.com

Let your imagination go—
naturally! A full service salon
that’s Certified organic for hair
color, straightening/relaxing, permanent wave. No
Ammonia, parabens, plastics or Thioglycolates.
Call today for an appointment! Like me on FB.
50% Off all new clients only. See ad on page 21.

Are you feeling stuck, stressed or disconnected? I will assist you in releasing energy blocks and guide you to
experience the comfort and peace that comes with
power and soul retrieval. “My intension is to improve
my client’s health and well being.” Call for your appointment today. See ad on page 22.

The Diamond Approach is a psychologically informed spiritual teaching. Learn a precise method
of inquiry to penetrate your unconscious beliefs
and reactivities. Realize and express the various
aspects of your essential nature including true
compassion, strength and peace. Greg Knight is
an ordained Diamond Approach Teacher and Advanced Rolfing Practitioner.

Another Way Counseling Center
2797 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886
750 East Avenue, Pawtucket, RI 02806
401-419-4001
CJonesLMHC@aol.com
Learn to maintain a stronger connection and less conflict in your relationships or marriage. Effective
communication is the basis for any
successful relationship. I can teach
you the language skills that will allow you to speak respectfully, openly and honestly with your partner
eliminating unnecessary fights and hurt feelings.
Come with your partner or come on your own and
see how quickly a few simple changes can repair
the love and understanding in any relationship.

459 Sandy Ln, Warwick, RI
401-450-4172
WestShoreWellness.com
Jane’s massage style incorporates relaxing Swedish strokes and deeper
pressure as needed. Her techniques loosen tight
muscles and bring about a sense of well being mentally, emotionally, physically. Her work has
helped those new to massage as well as those familiar with massage, including therapists and practitioners. New clients are encouraged to experience
Jane’s warm, friendly approach and excellent results.

Marie Bouvier-Newman
1099 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI
401-305-3585 • Its-My-Health.com
We provide much more than products, services and education. We
provide the tools you need to optimize your health in a comfortable
environment. We care. See ad on
page 15.

Providence, East Greenwich,
South Kingstown
401-782-2126 • Info@AllThatMatters.com
AllThatMatters.com
All
That
Matters,
founded in 1995, offers more than 100
weekly yoga classes at
three locations across the state. The South Kingstown center also offers an array of workshops, a
retail store, and health services ranging from acupuncture and chiropractic to massage therapy. See
ad on page 37.

YOGA & MEDITATION
ANANDA MEDITATION
AND YOGA CENTER

40 Collins Rd, Hopkinton, RI
401-524-4766
AnandaRhodeIsland.org
Find joy, love, and peace with
Ananda through ancient and effective techniques of meditation, spiritually oriented
Hatha Yoga, kirtan, Kriya Yoga and more. Deepen
your own spiritual journey in the company of
friends who support your inner growth. Ananda is
based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda,
and was founded by Yogananda’s direct disciple,
Swami Kriyananda.

MindPT is a
Simple & Easy-To-Use app
available to use on your phone or PC.
Simply RELAX & WATCH a series of
scientifically selected images and positive
statements with sound or music.
Watch for as little as 3 minutes a day &
produce sustained effects for 6-8 hours.

MindPT is based on current scientific

research in positive psychology and
neuroscience. Quickly shift your brain from
a ‘negative’, ‘neutral’, or ‘stressed’ state to
a POSITIVE state.